The trial of two defendants for the murder of quilombola leader Maria Bernadete Pacífico continues this Tuesday (14) at the Ruy Barbosa Forum in Salvador. On Monday, three witnesses and one of the defendants, Arielson da Conceição dos Santos, who confessed to participating in the crime, were heard.
Maria Bernadete Pacífico was a 72-year-old quilombola leader who was killed on August 17, 2023, at Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares in Simões Filho after armed men invaded the community. She was one of the leaders of the National Coordination of Rural Black Quilombola Communities and had reported frequent threats, participating in the Human Rights Defenders Protection Program.
The trial will resume on Tuesday (14) at the Ruy Barbosa Forum in Salvador
Defendants Arielson da Conceição Santos and Marílio dos Santos are charged with aggravated homicide for base motives, cruel means, victim's inability to defend, and use of restricted weapon
Marílio dos Santos is a fugitive
Three other people charged by the prosecutor's office do not yet have trial dates: Josevan Dionísio dos Santos, Sérgio Ferreira de Jesus and Ydney Carlos dos Santos de Jesus
The trial was transferred to Salvador by decision of the Court of Justice
Mãe Bernadete was killed at Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares, in Simões Filho
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (4)
Arielson said during questioning that the situation 'got out of control' and that the initial idea was to 'give a scare' to the victim
Mãe Bernadete was 72 years old and was killed with 25 shots inside her home after armed men invaded the community
Mãe Bernadete was part of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Program
Conflicting versions (1)
Date of Mãe Bernadete's murder
No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.